Report on Wintermoon.

[zondrae]

I wish you could see the photos!

Held in the hills at Camerons' Pocket just a bit North of Mackay Queensland was this years Wintermoon Festival. I believe it was the 12th one. It was a really well organised and attended Festival and in an absolutely amazing venue. They have built two permanent stages on the rise and some large tarps were strung up to augment the lovely shade trees. Held on a property that was/is an orchard even the camping grounds are amongst large trees. Running along the edge of the property and accessible from the camp site is a rocky creek providing several swimming holes and low rapids for festival goers to enjoy a cool off in the heat of the day. Seating for the main stage area was simple rows of straw bails. Most people spread out rugs etc and sat on the earth using the straw for a back rest. Those who wished, sat in the back row or brought their own chairs and formed orderly rows behind. Because the stage is quite high there was a unobstructed view of the performers for all. Campbell (the Swaggie) Martin Pearson, Junior, Tiffany Ecchart, and The Ploughboys were some of the more well known acts. There was also many local performers including a duo "Swoon" who could hold their own with any world famous acts.  There was a visible Police presence (by invitation) and a totally enjoyable long weekend.

Poets Breakfasts were held on Sat Sun and Mon mornings. Now when the organisers told me they were always short on poets, they were being conservative. Sat there were 5 or 6 of us and 2 hours to fill. Sunday was a bit better. Martin Pearson was our MC and, in spite of a sprained ankle, with his serious 'hat' on he filled almost half the two hours himself. (I requested he do CJ Dennis, The Play. One of my favourite poems. He does a great rendition) Myself, Campbell, a chap names John Vasello and one other (If I remember) filled the rest. Monday we had only one hour and four of us filled the hour. I had only prepared 8 poems in all, but luckily I do know a few others by memory and I had a folder with a few more. As most of the audience had never seen me before I was able to do some really early poems.  I finished the weekend reciting poetry to a few new 'friends' around the camp fire. I came away with no voice but a grin  as wide as the harbour bridge. It was surprising that with such a large crowd watching and so enthusiastic about the poetry that there were not more locals wanting to read their poem out.  Any additions Therese? Any questions anyone else?

 A great 4 day festival and I would recommend it to anyone.

[the mad mare]

Hi Zondrae,

Glad you had fun, and as you know, I really wanted to go, but went to Canberra for the weekend instead.  That was fun too catching up with family.  Perhaps I'll make it to Mackay next year, are you planning to go again?

Kym.

PS.  Did you get to meet Bernie?

[therese]

i''m so glad you enjoyed yourself zondrae.  it was our eleventh one, and they are all equally enjoyable.  fingers crossed you can make it next year!

[Frances]

Hey, why not start a blog to go with this site?  So many people out here love bush poetry.  I'd love to show it on my blog.  If you are interested I will send my blog site.  Frances

[zondrae]

Frances,
I would not have the faintest idea what or how to 'blog'. My daughter, Zondrae, has a blog about having her teeth 'fixed' but I don't even know how to look at it. I'll ask her about it when she comes over tomorrow. I did take some photos at Wintermoon.

Did everyone see the write up in the latest ABPA newsletter?